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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 5.18.22
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Jason Mackey
12:42
I think you have to get into June, especially on Yoshi. I'm fine with VanMeter as a utility/backup type. He doesn't need to be playing every day.
Justin
12:42
What's the main criticism you have of the current leadership / decision making group over the past few years, or specifically this year, if anything?
Jason Mackey
12:42
That they haven't insulated themselves enough at key positions -- not enough pitching, mishandling of catching, etc.
Dave
12:43
At what point do we question what Ben Cherington is doing. I see no tangible evidence that the organization has changed or improved from the last regime. In fact it seems worse.
Jason Mackey
12:44
Really? Have you checked the farm system? You can blame Ben for the lack of success at the major league level if you want. He is the GM. But no progress anywhere? Henry Davis and their entire last draft? The year before with Gonzales and others? How much they've changed coaching-wise and with player development? Hiring Baker? Their push with analytics? How do you just ignore all of that?
ev
12:44
Jason, Regarding Cole Tucker.  He has given up switch hitting to hit left handed (?) exclusively.  Back in the stone age, when I was young, switch hitters were few and far between in MLB. There seems to be an emphasis on switch hitting league wide now.  Is this a metrics thing?
Jason Mackey
12:45
Not really no. You either can or can't. I think teams would rather have a good hitter from one side than a mediocre hitter from two. For Cole, I see the reasoning. Simplify.
Jim M
12:45
Jason, Do you think all the changing of lineups is hurting defensive consistency ?  I realize Newman’s injury necessitated it but why not leave Castillo at ss?
Jason Mackey
12:45
No, I don't. Doesn't the Rays or others or do it. Don't see why it would affect the Pirates more than others.
Justin
12:45
If you were able to have a few drinks with Ben Cherington and he got into a totally-honest state, do you think he'd say he prefers a 2022 season that got him, say, the #3 overall pick in 2023, or the #13 overall pick?
Jason Mackey
12:46
I think it would depend how it happened. Does that first option include guys actually getting better -- and maybe at a team-friendly time? Does it include players like Gamel and Quintana playing well, then fetching prospects?
Dan
12:46
is Shelton l, in your eyes, managing this team to its potential? Or is he so handicapped by BC he has no choice whom he plays?
Jason Mackey
12:47
It's tough to say. They've changed a lot this year, and there hasn't been enough time to get an accurate sample. I'll say this: I don't think they're losing games because of Shelton's managing.
john
12:47
Wil Crowe on the bump tonight? What do you think of shelty starting the middle relievers?
Jason Mackey
12:47
I'm fine with it if it works. I think Keller is going to follow him, and I'm more interested to see how Mitch handles that role.
Canyon
12:47
Is there a chance we can see Davis next year?
Jason Mackey
12:47
Taylor or Henry?
Chris R
12:48
The Cubs won 97 games in year 4 of their rebuild. And of course the Cubs helped with high price FA’s when the time was right. It took the Astros until year 5 to have a winning record for their rebuild. So are we following the longer, Astros like road? And if yes, is the current Bucs team about right where we should be, as frustrating as that seems?
Jason Mackey
12:48
I don't think they're following one more than the other. I think the bulk of their horses are in Class AA Altoona, as I said last week. When they get up to the big leagues and begin to become regular contributors, that's when you're truly gonna see this thing turn.
Soggy
12:48
What are the odds the Pirates trade Bednar at the deadline if he continues to dominate?  Thanks for the chats Jason.  I appreciate your patience with the questions & your candor!
Jason Mackey
12:49
0.00%.
Dan
12:49
Any hope for pirates catching? Who do you have your eye on in Indy?
Jason Mackey
12:49
There's nobody there who I think can help the MLB soon. They should be looking outside for help.
Hunter
12:49
Jason. Which pittsburgh team do you enjoy covering the most?
Jason Mackey
12:53
Not sure, Hunter. It has less to do with the team than the beat. Baseball is a lot when you have young kids, which I do. Haven't done much football outside of my 8 months at DK. I loved covering hockey and sorta miss it. I actually wish I could have a role where I had involvement with all three, but I'm not sure if that's possible for me here.
Justin
12:53
What are some things in the minor leagues that the Pirates are doing that other teams haven't already been doing for a handful of years?
Jason Mackey
12:54
Pirates-wise, they're not trying to make everybody the same -- I.e. what they did to Meadows or Glasnow. They're using tech a ton. Also, it's not always about doing something new. Sometimes it's just actually getting through to players to identifying shortcomings and earning trust to fix stuff. The relationship side down there has improved a lot.
Wayward
12:54
When he is ready does Newman slid back into the starting SS or do you think he moves around and plays some 2B?
Jason Mackey
12:54
For now, SS. But I think it depends on what happens with Cruz. If he hits, I think he comes up, then Newman bounces.
Bill
12:54
Another NHL Q, which non-Pen FA's would you like to see them sign?
Jason Mackey
12:54
I don't have my feet under me enough on that to give you a reasonable answer. Sorry.
Danny
12:54
Is Juan Yepez the next Pujols?
Jason Mackey
12:55
Might be a wee bit aggressive there.
Guest
12:55
Looks like the Mendoza line is about to become as respectable as a .250 batting average back in the late 20th century. What is the new Mendoza Line, .180? Maybe you can try to get the name changed to the Yoshi Line?
Jason Mackey
12:55
Man, Yoshi has yinz guys fired up today.
Lost in WV
12:55
Will a Pirate pitcher ever have a complete game with Derek Shelton as manager and his ridiculous pitch counts?
Jason Mackey
12:56
No, I can't see it. It would have to be from, like, Quintana and essentially a Maddux.
GPT
12:56
I know Keller gets compared to Glasnow a lot, but he shouldn't. Glasnow was outright dominant in the minors, then was shoehorned into Searage's one-size-fits all methodology in Pittsburgh. Keller was decent in the minors, but not spectacular by any means. If he stinks, and he sure seems to, then stop putting him in ballgames.
Jason Mackey
12:57
You bring up some good points. I think Glasnow was held back here. I don't think that has been the case for Mitch. That said, I think the comparison exists because we're talking about electric stuff and substandard results.
Matt
12:57
Jason, what ever happened to Jose Soriano? (The Rule 5 pick)?
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